Slidable magnetic closure for cap

ABSTRACT

A closure assembly for a cap includes a cap having a pair of cords extending downward from opposing sides of the cap. The assembly also includes a first closure having a body, a through hole extending through the body, and an engagement mechanism configured to engage a second closure. The second closure includes a body, a through hole extending through the body, and an engagement mechanism configured to couple to the engagement mechanism of the first closure. The first cord extends through the through hole of the first closure, and the second cord extends through the through hole of the second closure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Present Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to winter caps having draw strings or cords that can be used to tie and/or fasten the cap about the head of a wearer. The draw strings or cords of the cap can enable a wearer to secure the cap onto their head to prevent unwanted removal of the cap during use.

2. Description of Related Art

Caps, particularly winter caps, are often worn to keep the users head warm in cold climate conditions. Caps are also worn to express a desired style, fashion or in support of a cause, organization or company.

Often caps include cords or draw strings that extend from opposing sides of the cap. These cords can be used to secure the cap in a desired and comfortable position on the head of a user. This securing of the cap is accomplished by tying the cords in a knot or bow, usually below the chin of the user.

Therefore, to secure conventional caps with cords or draw strings, a user must be knowledgeable and have the skill to tie a knot or bow. While the knowledge and skill to tie a simple knot is well know by older children and adults, younger children and infants usually lack the skill and knowledge required to tie an adequate knot. Additionally, often in cold climates adult users wear gloves, which can make it difficult or impossible to tie a sufficient knot or bow using the cords of a cap.

The present disclosure provide a closure assembly that enables a user to easily and quickly secure the cords of a cap together, thereby securing the cap in place, without the need to tie a knot or bow. The closure assembly of the present disclosure also provides for easy and simple uncoupling of the cords by simply pulling the cords apart.

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the present disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a slidable magnetic closure assembly for a cap of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the magnetic closures of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the magnetic closures of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the magnetic closures of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the magnetic closures of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a magnetic closure of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the magnetic closure assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a side view of another illustrative embodiment of a slidable magnetic closure assembly for a cap of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the slidable magnetic closure assembly for a cap of the embodiment in FIG. 8, in a closed position;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the slidable magnetic closure assembly for a cap of the embodiment in FIG. 8, in a closed and adjusted position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a slidable magnetic closure assembly for a cap of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a further illustrative embodiment of a slidable magnetic closure assembly for a cap of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side view of another illustrativee embodiment of the present disclosure having hook and loop closures; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure having a protrusion extending into a through hole of a closure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Applicant has discovered a novel closure assembly for a cap that simplifies and reduces the necessary dexterity required to close or couple the cords or draw strings of a cap around the head of a user. The disclosed closure assembly utilizes slidable closures and magnet engagement features that better enable children or those with dexterity difficulties (e.g., a user wearing thick gloves) to couple and adjust the positioning of the draw strings without having to tie a knot or fasten a button or hook. The disclosed closure assembly can also act as a significant safety feature due to the ease in which it is uncoupled. For example, if a user couples the disclosed closures together, thereby coupling the corresponding draw strings, and the cap gets snagged on an obstacle (e.g. a tree branch) as the user is skiing, snow boarding or running, the disclosed closures will quickly and easily uncouple, thus preventing the user from being choked by the draw strings.

As shown in FIGS. 1-10, a closure assembly 100 includes a cap 102, having a first cord 104 and a second cord 106 extending downward from opposing sides of the cap 102. The cap 102 can be a winter-type cap designed to keep the head of a user warm, although other caps having similar cords or draw strings could also be used. For example, children's hats or caps often include cords or draw strings that can be tied together to prevent the hat or cap from falling off the child's head.

The cap 102 may also include a pair of ear flaps 108 and 110 that extend downward from the main portion of the cap 102 and are configured to cover the ears of a user (not shown) to improve the warmth of the user. Cords 104 and 106 may extend from corresponding flaps 108 and 110, however, in other contemplated embodiments, cords 104 and 106 may extend from a main portion of the cap 102.

Each of the cords 104 and 106 include a corresponding closure 112 and 114. Each of the closures 112 and 114 include a main body 112 a and 114 a and a through hole 112 b and 114 b. The through holes 112 b and 114 b extend longitudinally through the main body 112 a and 114 a of the correspond closures 112 and 114. Although alternative embodiments have been contemplated, and fall within the scope of the current disclosure, which include through holes that extend laterally through the closures.

The through holes 112 b and 114 b of the closures 112 and 114 are configured to receive corresponding cords 104 and 106 therethrough. The through holes 112 b and 114 b may be sized to form an interference or friction fit with the corresponding cords 104 and 106 which can enable the closures 112 and 114 to slide along the cords 104 and 106 when biased or manipulated by the user, but maintain a desired positioning along the cords 104 and 106 when not being biased or manipulated by the user.

Alternatively, an interior surface of the through holes 112 b and 114 b may include bumps, protuberances or other desired surface texturing that can increase the ability of the closures 112 and 114 to retain and maintain their positioning on the respective cords 104 and 106 when not being manipulated by the user.

The closures 112 and 114 may be formed in a generally cylindrical shape, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, or the closures 112 and 114 can be formed in any other desired shape. The closures can be formed of shapes without sharp corners or edges, to prevent unwanted injury or irritation of the users head or neck area. Alternative closure shapes will be discussed in more detail below.

Each closure 112 and 114 also includes an engagement mechanism 116 and 118 positioned on an outer surface of the closure body 112 a and 114 a. The engagement mechanism 116 of the first closure 112 can be coupled to the engagement mechanism 118 of the second closure 114, resulting in a closing or fastening together of the cords 104 and 106. During use, a user can place the cap 102 on their head and close and secure the cords 104 and 106 beneath the chin of the head, by coupling the closures 112 and 114 via corresponding engagement mechanisms 116 and 118, securing the cap 102 to the head of the user.

The engagement mechanisms 116 and 118 can be formed out of magnets which can easily be coupled and uncoupled by a user without the need for proficient dexterity. In alternative embodiments the engagement mechanisms 116 and 118 can be hook and loop type mechanisms, adhesive or other desired coupling device.

The engagement mechanisms, or magnets, 116 and 118 can be fixed to the outer surface of the closures 112 and 114, or they can be embedded within the body 112 a and 114 a of the closures 112 and 114, as shown in FIG. 6. The magnets 116 and 118 can be formed in any desirable shape or configuration that enables sufficient surface contact between the magnets 116 and 118 to facilitate coupling of the closures 112 and 114.

The closures 112 and 114 can be manufactured in a variety of different materials including, but not limited to: plastic, metal, wood or fabric.

During use, the user can place the cap 102 on his or her head, or the head of another person, such that the flaps 108 and 110 extend over the ears of the user. The closures 112 and 114 can be slid onto corresponding cords 104 and 106, unless the cap 102 was manufactured with the closures 112 and 114 already on the cords 104 and 106. Knots or stops 120 and 122 can be tied near the terminating ends of the cords 104 and 106, to prevent the closures from sliding entirely off of the cords during use.

Once the cap 102 is placed in a desirable position on the head of the user, the closures 112 and 114 can be coupled together via the magnets 116 and 118. After the closures 112 and 114 are coupled together, the user can adjust the location of the closures 112 and 114 by sliding them along the cords 104 and 106, until the closures 112 and 114 are in the selected position.

The closures 112 and 114 can then be easily uncoupled by simply pulling the magnets 116 and 118 apart. This type of magnetic coupling and uncoupling allow children and those wearing gloves or that have dexterity problems, to more effectively secure the cap 102 in a comfortable, secure and desirable position.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative closure embodiment, including a closure 200 (which can be coupled to another identical closure not shown) having a generally block-type shape having a generally square cross-section. The closure 200 also includes a through hole 202 that extends longitudinally through the closure 200 to enable coupling with a cord 204 which can extend through the through hole, similarly to the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-10. The closure can also include a magnet 206 that is fixed or embedded in an exterior surface of the closure 200.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative closure embodiment, including a closure 300 (which can be coupled to another identical closure not shown) having a generally block-type shape having a generally triangular cross section. The closure 300 also includes a through hole 302 that extends longitudinally through the closure 300 to enable coupling with a cord 304 which can extend through the through hole, similarly to the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-10. The closure can also include a magnet 306 that is fixed or embedded in an exterior surface of the closure 300.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment, including cords 404 and 406 that may extend from corresponding flaps (not shown) or extend from a main portion of a cap (not shown).

Each of the cords 404 and 406 include a corresponding closure 412 and 414. Each of the closures 412 and 414 include a main body 412 a and 414 a and a through hole 412 b and 414 b. The through holes 412 b and 414 b extend longitudinally through the main body 412 a and 414 a of the correspond closures 412 and 414.

The through holes 412 b and 414 b of the closures 412 and 414 are configured to receive corresponding cords 404 and 406 therethrough.

Each closure 412 and 414 also includes an engagement mechanism 416 and 418 positioned on an outer surface of the closure body 412 a and 414 a. The engagement mechanism 416 of the first closure 412 can be coupled to the engagement mechanism 418 of the second closure 414, resulting in a closing or fastening together of the cords 404 and 406. During use, a user can place the cap on their head and close and secure the cords 404 and 406 beneath the chin of the head, by coupling the closures 412 and 414 via corresponding engagement mechanisms 416 and 418, securing the cap to the head of the user.

The engagement mechanisms 116 and 118 can be formed of hooks 418 and loops 416, as shown in FIG. 13, which can easily be coupled and uncoupled by a user without the need for proficient dexterity.

The engagement mechanisms, or hook and loops, can be formed in any desirable shape or configuration that enables sufficient surface contact between the hook and loops 416 and 418 to facilitate coupling of the closures 412 and 414.

FIG. 14 illustrates a further embodiment, including a cord 504 that may extend from a flap (not shown) or extend from a main portion of a cap (not shown).

The cord 504 is engaged with a corresponding closure 512. The closure 512 includes a main body 512 a and a through hole 512 b. The through hole 512 b extends longitudinally through the main body 512 a of the correspond closure 512.

The through hole 512 b is configured to receive corresponding cord 504 therethrough. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the through hole 512 b may be sized to form an interference or friction fit with the corresponding cord 504 which can enable the closure 512 to slide along the cord 504 when biased or manipulated by the user, but maintain a desired positioning along the cords 504 when not being biased or manipulated by the user.

The interior surface of the through hole 512 b may include a protrusion 517. Alternatively, multiple protuberances or other desired surface texturing that can also be used to increase the ability of the closure 512 to retain and maintain its positioning on the cords 504 when not being manipulated by the user. The protrusion 517, as shown in FIG. 14 can have a dome-like shape, but may alternatively have a squared shape with corners, a ledge-type portion extending into the through hole 512 b, or any other desired shape or size that may facilitate increased friction between the cord 504 and the closure 512.

As with the embodiments discussed above, the closure 512 also includes an engagement mechanism 516 positioned on an outer surface of the closure body 512 a.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A closure assembly for a cap comprising: a cap having a first cord and a second cord, each of the first and second cords extending downward from opposing sides of the cap; a first closure, the first closure including: a body; a through hole extending through the body; and an engagement mechanism, configured to engage a second closure; the second closure including: a body; a through hole extending through the body; and an engagement mechanism, configured to engage the engagement mechanism of the first closure; wherein the first cord extends through the through hole of the first closure, and the second cord extends through the through hole of the second closure.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement mechanism of the first closure is a magnet and the engagement mechanism of the second closure is a magnet.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement mechanism of the first closure is one of a hook or loop and the engagement mechanism of the second closure is one of a hook or loop.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first closure is slidable along the first cord.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the second closure is slidable along the second cord.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first closure maintains a position on the first cord due to friction between the first closure and the first cord.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cord includes a stop, wherein the first closure is positioned between the cap and stop.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first closure has a triangular cross-section.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first closure has a square cross-section.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first closure includes a protrusion extending into the through hole of the first closure, the protrusion increasing the friction between the first closure and the first cord.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a main body configured to receive at least a portion of a user's head; the cap also including a first flap and a second flap, wherein each of the first and second flaps are configured to extend over at least a portion of the user's ears; and wherein the first cord extends from the first flap and the second cord extends from the second flap.
 12. A closure assembly for a cap comprising: a cap having a first cord and a second cord, the first and second cords extending downward from opposing sides of the cap; the first cord having an engagement mechanism, configured to engage the second cord; the second cord having an engagement mechanism, configured to engage the engagement mechanism of the first cord; wherein the engagement mechanism of the first cord is a magnet, and the engagement mechanism of the second cord is a magnet.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a first closure, the first closure including: a body; a through hole extending through the body; and wherein the engagement mechanism of the first cord is integral with the first closure; a second closure including: a body; a through hole extending through the body; and wherein the engagement mechanism of the second cord is integral with the second closure; and wherein the first cord extends through the through hole of the first closure, and the second cord extends through the through hole of the second closure.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first closure is slidable along the first cord.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the second closure is slidable along the second cord.
 16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first closure maintains a position on the first cord due to friction between the first closure and the first cord.
 17. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first cord includes a stop, wherein the first closure is positioned between the cap and stop.
 18. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first closure has a triangular cross-section.
 19. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first closure has a square cross-section.
 20. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first closure includes a protrusion extending into the through hole of the first closure, the protrusion increasing the friction between the first closure and the first cord.
 21. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the cap includes a main body configured to receive at least a portion of a user's head; the cap also including a first flap and a second flap, wherein each of the first and second flaps are configured to extend over at least a portion of the user's ears; and wherein the first cord extends from the first flap and the second cord extends from the second flap.
 22. A method of using a closure assembly for a cap comprising: providing a cap having a pair of cords extending downward from opposing sides of the cap; positioning the cap on a head of a user; providing a first closure, the first closure including: a body; a through hole extending through the body; an engagement mechanism, configured to engage a second closure; providing the second closure with: a body; a through hole extending through the body; an engagement mechanism, configured to the engagement mechanism of the first closure; inserting the first cord through the through hole of the first closure; inserting the second cord through the through hole of the second closure; and coupling the first closure to the second closure by engaging the engagement mechanism of the first closure with the engagement mechanism of the second closure.
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: adjusting the first closure and the second closure by sliding the first closure along the first cord and sliding the second closure along the second cord.
 24. The method of claim 22 further comprising: uncoupling the first closure and the second closure by pulling the first closure and the second closure apart.
 25. The method of claim 25, wherein the engagement mechanism of the first closure is a magnet, and the engagement mechanism of the second closure is a magnet. 